Tai Tuivasa (14-3, 13 finishes) is set to be one half of the first UFC main event in France when he faces fellow highly-ranked heavyweight Ciryl Gane (10-1, seven finishes) on Saturday at Accor Arena in Paris. The heavy-hitting Australian, who knocked out former two-time championship challenger Derrick Lewis in February, spoke with The Post’s Scott Fontana via phone on Tuesday for this week’s Post Fight Interview Q&A session.
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Q: Your division is in a bit of a holding pattern with champion Francis Ngannou out injured and top names such as Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic not active. Do you think there ought to have been an interim belt on the line this weekend for you two given where you are in the ranks?
A: Definitely. It doesn’t, but I definitely think the winner on Saturday should have a shot at the title.
Q: Do you believe the winner will get the next shot, or do you think it’s still complicated?
A: I’ve been asked this question a few times, and to be honest, I really [care about those] parts of the fight game or whatever’s going on. But I think it’s pretty obvious, and I think everyone understands the person who wins should definitely fight for the belt. It’s just a big mess, you know what I mean?
Q: Last time out, you had Lewis who was happy to “swang and bang.” That’s not generally Gane’s approach. How do you feel about facing Gane’s particular style this time?
A: I think the great thing about fighting is when we get in there, put ourselves to the test. All I know is I’m gonna bring a fight. I’m gonna bring it to him.
Q: See how vulnerable Gane was to Ngannou’s takedowns in their fight in January, is that an element you’re looking to exploit rather than keep it standing?
A: I never show all my cards.
Q: You beat Lewis in front of his home fans, and you’ve got a chance to do the same to Gane now. How did you feel the Houston fans treated you?
A: The Houston fans are great. I really liked Houston. I liked Texas; I think probably one of the better states that I’ve been to in America. I like people. It was really cool. I enjoyed it.
Q: Are you expecting a similarly warm reception this weekend? Everyone seems to like you.
A: I don’t have any expectations. I walk in to bang and just put on a show.
Q: You used to be a staple of the fight cards in Australia. Do you miss not getting to compete on home soil?
A: Definitely. For me, I love performing at home. I love performing in front of my friends and family. And obviously, Australia’s been a little behind with all this COVID stuff. But I’m sure when we can, we will. I’d definitely love to fight back home and put on a show for my countrymen.
Q: You’re known for your eclectic, unusual choices for fight walkout music. How do you settle on a walkout song?
A: They’re just songs that remind me of — me and my mom used to drive around as a kid and … most of them are bangers. We’d rock out to them.
Q: That’s what gets you into the fighting spirit: thinking about all those good times with your mother?
A: They’re bangers as songs as well. They’re songs I still listen to today.
Q: Can you offer any hints to what song you’re going with this time?
A: The French fans should like it as well. It’s a banger.
Q: Typical walkaround weight between fights?
A: About 135 [kilograms (298 pounds)].
Q: Typical weight on fight night?
A: Fight night, I’m usually about 125 (275 pounds).
Q: Favorite post-weight cut meal?
A: I don’t have a favorite, but the last few times I’ve been doing Italian and pasta and pizza. I think I’m just more excited to eat anything (laughs).
Q: Favorite fight of yours from your regional days?
A: I forget my fights, so I couldn’t really tell you, to be honest. I forget my record (laughs).
Q: Who in MMA do you most admire?
A: I admire Mark Hunt. He’s been a great role model for me, kind of took me in when I needed it, and he showed me the ropes. … Definitely someone I admire, especially for what he’s done in the fight business.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: I’ve got a couple. “Remember the Titans”. “Titanic” probably is up there.
Q: Favorite activity outside of fighting?
A: I love business, I love partying, and I love food.
Q: Favorite video game?
A: I don’t play games. I’ve never played games, really.
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